You Are Called To Persevere

The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast after you have suffered a little while.
(1 Peter 5:10)

Have you faced intense trials after deciding to follow the Lord Jesus Christ?

In surrendering your life and receiving Him in faith as Lord and Saviour, you suddenly faced tremendous trials.

After gaining their newfound faith, I know of many who faced trials in many forms.

They experienced rejection from family and friends. Some suffered financial losses, lost a job, relationship conflicts, sickness or even death of loved ones.

Suffering for your Christian faith happens in every situation and location

 It’s understandable and expected that a Buddhist, Hindu or Muslim who becomes a Christian will certainly suffer persecution, often severely. I read and learned about the persecuted church through Open Doors.

What about when you live in a nominal Christian family and community and then discover Jesus Christ, the way, the truth, and the life?

For sure, you will suffer from isolation, not primarily because the nominal Christian environment you are in will reject you. Your renewed relationship with Christ will lead you to thirst for more knowledge of your Saviour.

Your focus now as a true disciple of Jesus Christ is on strengthening that relationship.

Eventually, you will find yourself avoiding the people and environment that would lead you back to your former nominal Christian life.

Would you believe that your most painful persecution could come from within the Christian community or environment?

It’s when you think that the Christians around you will stand for what is right, but you find yourself alone making a stand.

Worst, the Christian leaders whom you expected to take the lead have become accessories to the wiles of the unjust.

If, after you have settled in your heart, you trust Jesus Christ alone, follow Him in baptism, and commit your life and family to serving Him daily, scorn and insult will become inevitable.

Perseverance in faith brings freedom, happiness and joy.

When you are facing debilitating trials, read and remember the story of Job. Despite suffering from severe trials, he remained steadfast in faith. Read how Job persevered and gained God’s restoration.

Christians are called to persevere, especially when our faith is under trial.

Keep your faith no matter what happens. You will witness God’s incredible power sustaining your life when you persevere.

Then, when you have overcome, you will find peace and happiness you have never experienced.

Starting your new life in Jesus Christ may involve many challenges, but persevering in your newfound faith means a life of freedom and victory.

Just come to Him in prayer. Hold on to Jesus. He’s always there. Trust His word; He loves you always now.

Are you going through tough times today? May this post strengthen your faith in Christ.

PHOTO CREDIT: Jade Jarbadan